Christian Biography of Dean R. Thornton

Dean R. Thornton, the son of Arvine and Wilma (Payne) Thornton, was born on July 14, 1926 on a farm near Guide Rock, Nebraska. He passed away on January 30, 2014 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska at the age of 87 years, 6 months, 16 days.

Dean was one of five children. He attended school in Guide Rock and Superior, graduating from Superior High School. He was a member of the Superior Church of Christ serving as an Elder.

Dean was united in marriage to Nita Poole on August 7, 1949, in Webber, Kansas, and the marriage was blessed with four children.

Dean was a hard working farmer and businessman and instilled the value of honesty and integrity in his family. Dean had the gift of making friends wherever he went. He enjoyed telling stories, cooking and making people laugh.

Dean was proud to serve as an Elder in his church and was passionate about leading people to faith. Dean impacted many lives and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nita on October 13, 2006; grandson, Cyrus Thornton and brother, Daryl.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Brad Thornton and Jill of Des Moines, former daughter-in-law Shirley Thornton of Lincoln, daughter and son-in-law DeAnn Lewis and John of Lincoln, son Philip Thornton and wife Janet of Bloomington, Illinois, and daughter and son-in-law Julie Murray and Ted of Central City, Nebraska; family friend Arma Jean Whitney; nine grandchildren; Andrea, Wendy, Stuart, Darcy, Nathan, Brandon, Kelsie, Tyler, and Michael, nine great grandchildren; Alana, Abigayle, Aubriana, Kamden, Caleb, Brenna, Bryleigh, Corbin, and Jazmin. Sisters Marjeanne Somerhalder, Louise Copeland and Phyllis Bowes and husband Richard; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM from the Superior Church of Christ in Superior, Nebraska with Dr. Jeff Collins officiating.

Music was "Ancient Words," and "Untitled Hymn, Come to Jesus," with Kelsie Murray as the soloist and Carlita Price as the organist.

Visitation was held on Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pallbearers were Brandon Lewis, Stuart Thornton, Tyler Murray, Michael Murray, Nathan Krieser and Jerry McKearnan. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Mitchell, and Jim Zoltenko.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to Superior Church of Christ.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.